Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) Alternatives
Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) belongs to the Large Cap Growth Equities category. Below you'll find alternative ETFs from the same category, ranked by key criteria, plus funds that investors commonly compare with VUG. Use the tables to find lower-cost options, better risk-adjusted returns, or funds that fit a different role in your portfolio.
Cheapest Alternatives to VUG
VUG charges 0.03% annually. Among ETFs in the Large Cap Growth Equities category, these options have the lowest expense ratios among VUG alternatives.
| Symbol | Name | Expense Ratio | Inception | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP Morgan Betabuilders U.S. Equity ETF | 0.02% | Mar 12, 2019 | VUG vs BBUS | |
| iShares Morningstar U.S. Equity ETF | 0.03% | Jun 28, 2004 | VUG vs ILCB | |
| iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF | 0.03% | Jan 20, 2004 | VUG vs ITOT | |
| Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF | 0.03% | Nov 3, 2009 | VUG vs SCHB | |
| iShares Morningstar Growth ETF | 0.04% | Jun 28, 2004 | VUG vs ILCG |
Best Risk-Adjusted Alternatives to VUG
Among ETFs in the Large Cap Growth Equities category, these options rank highest on PortfoliosLab's risk-adjusted score, which accounts for volatility, drawdown, and return consistency over a 1-year period.
| Symbol | Name | Risk / Return Rank | Inception | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grizzle Growth ETF | 93 | Dec 15, 2021 | VUG vs DARP | |
| Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF | 87 | Feb 25, 2020 | VUG vs IQM | |
| MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF | 84 | Mar 19, 2025 | VUG vs FMTM | |
| First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF | 81 | Apr 12, 2006 | VUG vs FPX | |
| iShares Global 100 ETF | 81 | Dec 5, 2000 | VUG vs IOO |
Top Performing VUG Alternatives (YTD)
VUG alternatives from the Large Cap Growth Equities category, sorted by year-to-date return.
| Symbol | Name | YTD Return | Inception | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF | 10.10% | Mar 19, 2025 | VUG vs FMTM | |
| SMART Earnings Growth 30 ETF | 9.56% | Aug 19, 2025 | VUG vs SGRT | |
| GQG US Equity ETF | 8.19% | Jul 14, 2025 | VUG vs GQGU | |
| Inspire 100 ETF | 6.10% | Oct 30, 2017 | VUG vs BIBL | |
| Grizzle Growth ETF | 5.52% | Dec 15, 2021 | VUG vs DARP |
Lowest Volatility Alternatives to VUG
VUG alternatives from the Large Cap Growth Equities category, sorted by annualized volatility over the past year.
| Symbol | Name | Volatility 1Y | Inception | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GQG US Equity ETF | 9.66% | Jul 14, 2025 | VUG vs GQGU | |
| Core Alternative ETF | 10.73% | May 24, 2017 | VUG vs CCOR | |
| Global X NASDAQ 100 Collar 95-110 ETF | 12.08% | Aug 25, 2021 | VUG vs QCLR | |
| First Trust Capital Strength ETF | 13.55% | Jul 6, 2006 | VUG vs FTCS | |
| OShares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF | 13.83% | Jul 14, 2015 | VUG vs OUSA |
Lowest Drawdown Alternatives to VUG
VUG alternatives from the Large Cap Growth Equities category, sorted by maximum drawdown over the past year.
| Symbol | Name | Max Drawdown 1Y | Inception | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Alternative ETF | -9.17% | May 24, 2017 | VUG vs CCOR | |
| First Trust Capital Strength ETF | -9.38% | Jul 6, 2006 | VUG vs FTCS | |
| Pacer Lunt Large Cap Alternator ETF | -9.79% | Jun 24, 2020 | VUG vs ALTL | |
| OShares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF | -9.80% | Jul 14, 2015 | VUG vs OUSA | |
| American Customer Satisfaction ETF | -9.91% | Nov 1, 2016 | VUG vs ACSI |
Other ETFs from Vanguard
Most popular Vanguard ETFs on PortfoliosLab, across asset classes.
| Symbol | Name | Category | Risk / Return Rank | YTD Return | Inception | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | S&P 500 | 60 | -3.66% | Sep 7, 2010 | VUG vs VOO | |
| Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF | Large Cap Blend Equities | 59 | -3.29% | Jun 27, 2016 | VUG vs VTI | |
| Vanguard Information Technology ETF | Technology Equities | 62 | -6.16% | Mar 25, 2004 | VUG vs VGT | |
| Vanguard Total International Stock ETF | Foreign Large Cap Equities | 85 | 3.51% | Jan 26, 2011 | VUG vs VXUS | |
| Vanguard Total World Stock ETF | Global Equities | 74 | -0.74% | Jun 24, 2008 | VUG vs VT | |
| Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF | Dividend | 65 | 3.69% | Feb 7, 2019 | VUG vs VYM | |
| Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF | Total Bond Market | 50 | 0.09% | Apr 3, 2007 | VUG vs BND | |
| Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF | Dividend | 47 | -1.48% | Dec 19, 2013 | VUG vs VIG | |
| Vanguard Value ETF | Large Cap Value Equities | 60 | 3.54% | Jan 26, 2004 | VUG vs VTV | |
| Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF | Foreign Large Cap Equities | 87 | 4.45% | Jul 20, 2007 | VUG vs VEA |
Often Compared With VUG
What investors most often compare with VUG, based on PortfoliosLab usage data.
Compare VUG with Any Fund or Stock
Compare VUG with any ETF, mutual fund, or stock using PortfoliosLab's comparison tool.